The Paris Nobody Talks About: Five Things That Made This Trip
Everyone comes to Paris for the Eiffel Tower. The Seine. The obvious glamour. And of course all of it deserves its reputation. What’s staying with me are the smaller things. The flower stalls tucked into every neighborhood like they were always meant to be there. The way the light turns the buildings gold at seven in the evening and you just have to stop walking. The hotel that felt immediately like mine. The tiny museum I almost didn’t bother with. Paris rewards the people who slow down, next trip I would like to spend more time and do just that.We are currently spending our last night in Beaune and are heading to Bonnieux (more on that later). Let’s chat about The Paris Nobody Talks About: Five Things That Made This Trip.
The Paris Nobody Talks About: Five Things That Made This Trip
The Hoxton Hotel Paris
The Hoxton hotel in the 2nd Arrondissment was recommended to me by my pals Mary Ann and Annie. It didn’t dissapoint. The location was great , we were able to walk everywhere. Extremely helpful staff, cozy rooms, and a great place to have a glass of wine after walking miles.
Two Fabulous Restaurants you may not Have Tried
Our first night in Paris, we did what we always do: decided to walk to dinner and promptly got lost. The restaurant was Poulette. The city was not impressed with our sense of direction. I’ve decided this is tradition at this point a new city, a wrong turn, and eventually, a great restaurant. We were late, they were kind, and the food was fabulous!!
Our second night in Paris we dined at La Bourse Et La Vie. Another amazing restaurant, maybe our best of the trip so far. The food, wine, and service were perfection!
A Smaller Museum that we Loved
One of my readers Cheryl gave us several great recommendations (she lives part time in Provence), all were good. I believe a friend of hers suggested this museum and it was our favorite. My friend Elizabeth from Pine Cones and Acorns advised to check out the smaller museums and she was right! The Musee de Carnavalet is esconced in this beautiful chateau in the Marais. The home is stunning and the museum is filled with antique signage, beautful architectural panels that have been reclaimed and relocated here. And…they serve lunch in the beautiful garden! I can’t imagine a more perfect place to spend a lovely Paris afternoon.
Walking in Paris at Sunset
We walked literally everywhere, and each night I was amazed at the beauty of the city at night.
The Flower Stands in Every Neighborhood
Every neighborhood has at least one fabulous flower shop with seasonal florals you can’t resist.
Thank you for reading The Paris Nobody Talks About: Five Things That Made This Trip. This was my first trip to Paris, and I can’t stop thinking about it in the usual way. Maybe because at this point in my life, I’m less interested in checking boxes and more interested in the flower market around the corner from breakfast than hitting every tourist favorite. Whatever it is, I’ wasn’t ready to leave. But since I had to, I’ll leave you with these five things, the Paris I hope you find, too.
If you missed my post, Provence Style: What to Wear in the South of France + a Beautiful Stone House; you might want to check it out.
We are spending our last day in Beaune and then we are off to Bonnieux. I would love to hear about your Paris faves. Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Anne and Annie for more Sunday fun!
Classic Casual Home
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I am saving all of your Paris recommendations. We are headed there next spring. It has been 25+ years since I’ve been there.!! you look cute in all the pictures. I think you packed perfectly.!!
Hi Martha
I cannot believe the world traveler has not been to Paris in 25 years!
Looks like you’re having a fabulous trip – thanks for sharing with us. It looks amazing there, love all the fresh flowers and museums. Your outfits are great. Have a great time!
Hi Barb
We are leaving Bonnieux and heading to St Remy and Llisle de la Sorgue-more later!
I love that museum too and the location is great! Now you have given Howard and me two new restaurants to try the end of July!!!
I highly doubt I am giving the world travelers any ideas!! What are your fave museums Mary Ann?
Cindy! I’ve been loving your Instagram reels… we need more! xx
Thank you so much for your 5 favorites. My good friend and I are leaving for Paris on May 5th, this Tuesday, and are so very excited to check out your restaurant and museum recommendations.
Hi Diane
Have a wonderful time!!
Cindy, one of our favorite things to do when we are in a foreign country is to start walking and get lost. I’m so glad you did that in Paris. I love seeing the big attractions, but the little slices of daily life are my favorites. One day, in a village in Cinque Terre in Italy, we played kick ball on a side street with two cute little boys. Their grandma ( at least I am guessing that is who she was) was watching us with delight in her eyes. They didn’t speak any English and we didn’t speak Italian, but it made no difference. It is one of my fondest memories of Italy and I have been there four times! I am looking forward to the stories from the rest of your trip!
Hi Lisa
What a fabulous story! We love Italy and plan to go back next year!
The best parts of Paris are the places that you love. I am so excited that you are having such a wonderful time. I have been to Paris many, many times, and my favorite times are when I have no agenda. You do not have to follow a guide, just let your feet take you wherever you like. Cannot wait to hear more about it upon your return
Hi Eliz
Your advice was so helpful!!
Cindy, I love the joy that’s in your photos and descriptions of the City of Light. We are just back from a month in Paris. These are some of our favorite, truly special, smaller Paris museums that feel like hidden treasures:
The Musée Jacquemart-André is a stunning townhouse museum—elegant rooms, beautiful art, and it never feels overwhelming. The Musée Marmottan Monet is a dream for Monet lovers, in the former home of his son and it houses the largest collection of his works. You’ll enjoy some of his most important works in a quiet, intimate setting away from the crowds.
In Montmartre, the Musée de Montmartre is full of charm and history, with lovely gardens and a real sense of the artists who once lived there. And the wonderfully atmospheric Musée Gustave Moreau feels like stepping directly into the imagination of the artist himself. It’s fascinating and very personal.
All four are real gems—far more peaceful than the big museums and perfect for soaking up Paris at a slower, richer pace. And if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy special exhibitions in addition to their permanent collections.
Hi Nan
Putting on my list for the next visit. We did the biggies..crowds etc. on to the hidden gems…thanks for sharing!
We were so stupid, first trip to Paris and decided to rent a car to travel to Normandy and the coast. The bags were a lot to drag over to the rental car lot so my husband chivalrously said he would go and get the car and return to pick up me along with the bags. We did NOT know that he ended up driving through the roundabout at the base of the Arch de Triumph, not once but twice. He said it was quite an experience as it’s about 3 or 4 lanes deep, talk about a wild ride. We still laugh about that.
Yikes!! The learning curve, right?
Loved seeing your photos. We’ve been to Paris 6 times so we’ve seen a lot, but last time was 10 years ago, need to plan another visit! We have always stayed in the 6th arrondissement, has the feeling of a neighborhood and there are many small hotels and plenty of bistros/brasseries/restaurants. Can walk to many Metro stations and many sights. Of the favorite sights that tourists often miss: one other reader commented on the Cluny museum, a masterpiece. But no one has mentioned Sainte-Chappelle, which is a stones throw from Notre Dame and a jewelbox of what had been a royal chapel. Amazingly not damaged during the revolution, or the wars. Two stories, you are awed when you enter the first floor but climb the stairs and the second floor will take your breath away. And as someone whose favorite art is Impressionist, the d’Orsay museum is outstanding. Monet’s home at Giverny is a short train ride away, a pretty easy day trip. Made that trip 3 times over the years. Beautiful gardens there.
We thought about Giverney…would have loved that but our time in Paris was so small…we have been in the countryside since and are just loving the wine, architecture and food…definately Giverney next time!!
Hopefully going back this year! What is your favorite time of year to go? So many wonderful recommendations here. Now I’m getting excited! Every trip somewhere new to explore experience and enjoy.
Kimberly, you did not ask me. But I have been to Paris in every season. I think the most beautiful are fall, November and early winter, December when everything is decorated for Christmas.
Cindy! I love your approach to Paris … it’s so fun following along. xo
Thanks pal!
Hi Cindy,
So wonderful to read about your adventures and the gorgeous photographs!! Thank you Cindy. I don’t know Paris at all well and use to rely on my brother who lived there for many years. I remember a fantastic trip to Pere Lachaise together and then on another trip with another mom and our teenage daughters, we booked a private guide for Versailles which was magical. Shakespeare’s Books is a must by Notre Dame. But I love your approach of walking and finding and being ready for surprises. The Paris antique flea markets are also wonderful. Have a gorgeous time!!
I’m jealous..I need to return..it’s been 15 years !
Your Tre’s Chic Boho look is envious!
Enjoy…no bad wines in France 🍷
So glad you are getting to see Paris and the South of France. One of our favorites was getting to see the Loire Valley on the way to Normandy. Normandy is extraordinary. Also Mont- Saint Michel. You will have to go back. The Orsay Museum is very nice. It is on the smaller size and is in an old train station. They also have a cafe. Enjoy and hopefully you will return for another visit.
Loving hearing about your trip.
Kay
Well done my friend, well done.
On to Provence….. ❤️
I like to stay in the 7th which is very un-touristy. It’s very close to Musee Rodin, the big swath of grass called the Esplanade and Napoleon’s tomb. This last time I was there, I went to the Matisse exhibit and it was more meaningful to me since I have been to his house and chapel in Vence. I hope you are having good weather wherever you go since that will add to your enjoyment!
Loving your observations of Paris. Has your first visit made you eager to return?
You will continue to experience good food and wine and the light that draws artists to the south…ahh! C’est si bon.
I look forward to your upcoming posts.
Wh e n you return, I’ll share with you a movie I stream when I need a provencal fix.
Cindy There are so many things to love and see in Paris and France in general. Once I found a neighborhood years ago on a trip organized by a very small tourist agency It became ‘mine’. I returned many times as it was easy to walk around in. I particularly love the Cluny Museum. I have not been back in several years now but do know that they have developed a small cafe. The last time I was there there was an open air cheese market on the street outside that also sold breads and honey. If you think about the history under your feet you are stunned as the 5th, I believe, was the outskirts of the original Roman settlement! Then the Cluny with its Roman bath ruins deep inside make sense. I hope you will be able to return again as there is always more to see and absorb. Love the cafes, the flowers, the facades!
Paris never disappoints…my experiences are that walking is the best way to see Paris. You’ll want to go back to Paris again!!
Know you will enjoy seeing Provence…it’s villages are so charming!!
Have fun!!!
XO
Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
What a nice trip! I’d like to hear more about it. The green outfit looks great on you!
You are doing Paris my way! I also love Musee de Carnavalet, but they were not serving lunch outside when I was there-lucky you! My favorites are Musee Rodin with its gardens, and Musee de Cluny, with the Roman Baths and amazing tapestries. Our favorite cafe is the St Regis on Ile St Louis. Can’t wait to hear your impressions of Beaune & Bonnieux!
Those two museums are on my list for next trip!
Hi Cindy,
It sounds like you both are having the time of your lives in Paris. It’s good that you have good feet, ankles, and legs to do walking all day. The restaurants you have dined at look so good, and some fine wine too.
I’m with you taking in all the flowers must be breathtaking.
Thanks for sharing your joy.
You always look so chic and I love it. As a soon to be 63 yr old retiree I find it hard to look put together when all I do is putter in the gardens and my craft room. I also agree with you on hitting the tourist spots. Too many people & I just prefer to be somewhere less hectic. We have a group of 8 going on our 2020 make up cruise to New England & Canada this October. We’ll be doing the opposite of the majority of the people by exploring the cities on our own, enjoying 0ur friends & family & making memories! I’ve never been to Paris either, and my heritage is majority from France. So one I hope to get to explore that beautiful country. Love from Colorado Michell
I love New England! We travelled there for so many years and want to go back. Have the vest time with your friends!
Sigh……….. beautiful!
Cindy – You are so right about going off the beaten path when travelling. That’s the only way to find the real city. Vienna, my favorite city, provided unforgettable memories away from the tourist areas. Love your chartreuse and purple outfit! I may need to buy that.
Hi Susan
I think after this trip I have finally convinced my husband there is another country to visit in Europe other than Italy!!